King County Metro is launching a pilot program this summer that will bring Sunday Water Taxi service to Vashon Island, providing seven-day-a-week access between Seattle and Vashon Island.
King County Metro is launching a pilot program that will bring Sunday Water Taxi service to Vashon Island, providing seven-day-a-week access between Seattle and Vashon Island. The first Sunday sailing departs Pier 50 in downtown Seattle on April 12, with morning, afternoon, and early evening crossings to the Vashon Ferry Terminal into early fall.
The announcement marks the latest step in the expansion of Water Taxi service that began in June 2024, when King County Metro first extended beyond traditional weekday commuter routes to offer Vashon residents more frequent and midday crossings. That expansion grew again in 2025 with the addition of Saturday service, and now, with Sundays included, the service runs seven days a week.
Funding for the Sunday pilot was secured through a partnership between state and county resources. King County Metro worked alongside State Senator Emily Alvarado and County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, both of whose districts include Vashon Island, to close the final funding gap and keep the boats running through the weekend.
Water Taxi schedule – Vashon Island route Monday-Friday
| Seattle (Pier 50) to Vashon Ferry Terminal | Vashon Ferry Terminal to Pier 50 |
| 5:30 a.m. | 6:10 a.m. |
| 6:38 a.m. | 7:10 a.m. |
| 7:40 a.m. | 8:15 a.m. |
| 8:50 a.m. | 9:25 a.m. |
| 11:25 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 12:45 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. |
| 3:00 p.m. | 3:45 p.m. |
| 4:30 p.m. | 4:58 p.m. |
| 5:30 p.m. | 5:58 p.m. |
| 6:30 p.m. | 6:58 p.m. |
| 7:30 p.m. (Friday only) | 7:58 p.m. (Friday only) |
Water Taxi schedule – Vashon Island route Saturday and Sunday
| Seattle (Pier 50) to Vashon Ferry Terminal | Vashon Ferry Terminal to Pier 50 |
| 9:55 a.m. | 10:30 a.m. |
| 11:15 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. |
| 12:45 p.m. | 1:30 p.m. |
| 2:45 p.m. | 3:20 p.m. |
| 3:55 p.m. | 4:30 p.m. |
| 5:10 p.m. | 5:50 p.m. |
| 6:30 p.m. | 7:05 p.m. |
Funds will allow the late Friday and weekend service to run through October 9, 2026.
This increased service comes when the change in the weather means more riders traveling to Vashon and Vashon residents taking advantage for work and shopping as well as events along the waterfront.
More night, weekend service ahead for West Seattle
Riders in West Seattle will also see an increase in service starting April 11 with more late-night service on Fridays and Saturdays and many more additional weekend trips.
How much does it cost to travel by water taxi?
Water taxi fares to and from Vashon are $7 each way for adults ($6 with an ORCA card). Passengers 18 and under ride free. Reduced fares are available for people with disabilities, people with lower incomes, and seniors. ORCA has launched its new Tap to Pay feature allowing riders to use credit and debit cards and digital wallets to pay for transit across the Puget Sound region. Don’t have an ORCA Card yet? MyOrca.com is the place to go to purchase a card. If you want to use your mobile device to pay your fare, download the Transit GO Ticket app prior to boarding.
What people are saying:
“We’ve made real progress expanding transportation options and connecting communities across King County, and this pilot is another milestone in that progress. Vashon is a special place, and this pilot makes it easier for islanders to get to work, services, and activities across King County, and for all of us to get out and enjoy everything Vashon has to offer.”
King County Executive Girmay Zahilay
“If you are planning a trip to Vashon this summer to explore Point Robinson Lighthouse or Maury Island, we want transit to be your first choice. By providing water taxi service every day of the week, the door is wide open to exploring the island, and Vashon residents heading east can extend their journeys across King County with new bus and Link connections to Redmond and Federal Way and points in between.”
King County Metro General Manager Michelle Allison
“Our goal this summer is to show how connected this region can become when there is consistent and reliable seven day a week service linking Vashon to transit choices ranging from buses to light rail to streetcars. Vashon riders will be able to enjoy an afternoon Mariners game or a trip to Woodland Park on a Saturday or Sunday knowing they can walk, bike or roll to Pier 50 and make their way home. We look forward to seeing people on board!”
Marine Division Director Terry Federer
“I’m pleased that we’re expanding water taxi service to Vashon. Reliable transit is a lifeline for islanders and key for mobility and economic activity for all of our communities.”
State Sen. Emily Alvarado
“I am thrilled that Summer Sundays are coming to the Vashon Water Taxi This milestone brings us to seven-day-a-week service to and from the Island, building reliability for workers getting to their jobs on and off the island, creating more opportunities for recreation and enjoyment of all that Vashon has to offer, and strengthening connections to the mainland. Huge thanks to our partners at the state level and the tireless advocacy of islanders for making this possible, and to Executive Zahilay and Metro for your partnership. See you on the Summer Sunday sailings!”
King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, who represents Vashon Island on the Council.
“We’re excited to see expanded weekend water taxi service for Vashon. This kind of connection is so impactful, both for the local economy and for quality of life, making it easier for visitors to reach the island and for islanders to enjoy a day or weekend in Seattle.”
Elijah Berry, Vashon Island Chamber of Commerce
RELEVANT LINKS
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Al Sanders, King County Metro, 206-348-7829
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